Rising Cholera Death Rates in Sudan and Nigeria Amidst Flooding and Conflict

Cholera outbreak death rates in Sudan and Nigeria have surged, reaching levels three times the global average, with conflict and flooding worsening the situation. In Sudan, the Case Fatality Rate is 3.1%, and in Nigeria, it is 2.9%. The crises are exacerbated by widespread flooding affecting millions, limited access to healthcare services, and increased malnutrition among children. Save the Children reports significant increases in cases, particularly among children under five. Urgent humanitarian aid is needed to prevent further escalation of this crisis.

Death rates from severe cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have escalated dramatically, with these rates now reaching levels up to three times higher than the global average, thereby jeopardizing the health of thousands of children. Reports from Save the Children indicate that in Sudan, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 3.1 deaths per 100 confirmed cases, substantially surpassing the threshold of 1% which is considered the minimum acceptable rate for cholera treatment. Similarly, Nigeria reports a cholera fatality rate of 2.9%, also nearing three times the minimum standard. The unprecedented flooding caused by climate change has wreaked havoc across approximately 16 countries in West, Central, and East Africa, affecting over 4.4 million people in West and Central Africa and more than two million in Eastern Africa in 2024 alone. The combination of flooding, contaminated water supplies, and insufficient sewage systems has escalated the cholera crisis which, if treated properly, is preventable. Unfortunately, access to effective healthcare is severely limited in several regions of Sudan and Nigeria, increasing the risk of fatality, particularly among children under five years of age. Recently, from July 22 to September 29, Sudan reported over 17,600 cholera cases along with 546 related fatalities across 60 localities in 10 states. The underlying issues causing this outbreak include a prolonged period of violence that has devastated healthcare facilities, compounded by flooding and widespread water contamination. Data indicates that 80% of hospitals in Sudan remain non-operational, with those that are functioning lacking essential medical supplies. Save the Children has observed a notable increase in cholera cases among children in areas such as El Damer and Gedarif, where children under five account for 15% of all confirmed cholera cases and deaths. In Nigeria, the cholera crisis is predominantly linked to widespread flooding that has displaced numerous individuals, affecting 29 out of the country’s 36 states, predominantly in the northern regions. As of October 1, over 450 cholera cases had been confirmed, resulting in 32 fatalities, with children making up 37% of the confirmed cases. The conditions are expected to deteriorate further due to ongoing rains in northern Nigeria, which are likely to incite additional flooding and displacements. The Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, Mohamed Abdiladif, remarked, “A lack of vital medicines, combined with hunger and malnutrition is putting millions of children at risk of diseases and possible death. Our health teams across the country are telling us that most of the child cholera deaths are from other complications due to weakened immune systems due to malnutrition.” Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children in Nigeria, stressed that “Cholera outbreaks are preventable with proper infrastructure and hygiene practices. But the flooding in Nigeria is making life worse for the most vulnerable, especially the children in northeast Nigeria. The situation is putting food and clean water out of reach and malnutrition and disease are already rife among children.” In response to these challenges, Save the Children is actively engaged in efforts across both countries, including monitoring water quality and providing cholera treatment and safe drinking water in Sudan. In Nigeria, the organization is distributing medical supplies, cholera kits, and relief items while trucking water to the worst-hit communities and conducting hygiene promotion campaigns to secure access to safe drinking water. Overall, the health crises in Sudan and Nigeria necessitate urgent intervention to mitigate the alarming rise in cholera cases and associated fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children.

The ongoing cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have been exacerbated by severe flooding linked to climate change, overwhelming the ability of healthcare systems to cope with the rising incidence of cases. Both countries face significant challenges, including conflicts disrupting medical services, lack of clean water, malnutrition, and inadequate sanitation—all of which contribute to increased fatality rates from cholera, especially among vulnerable children. The situation highlights the critical need for urgent humanitarian aid and improved healthcare infrastructure to prevent further loss of life.

The alarming increase in cholera cases and mortality rates in Sudan and Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change and conflict on public health. Immediate action is essential to provide medical assistance, clean water, and nutritional support to affected communities, particularly to safeguard the health of children, who are disproportionately impacted by these crises. Strengthening healthcare systems and addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability remain crucial for averting future outbreaks and deaths from preventable diseases.

Original Source: reliefweb.int